There appears to be a lack of coordination within the Virginia Democratic Party. Early, it appeared that party leaders were united in recruiting state Sen. Jennifer Wexton (D) to be the principal challenger against Rep. Barbara Comstock (R-McLean) in what promises to be another hard fought and bruising political campaign.

Late this week, however, Virginia First Lady Dorothy McAuliffe (D) made comments suggesting that she is close to announcing her own campaign. Her husband, Gov. Terry McAuliffe (D), is ineligible to seek re-election. But this apparently is even taking some key Democrats by surprise. Reacting to the move, US Reps. Donald McEachin (D-Henrico) and Gerry Connolly (D-Fairfax), both reportedly key figures in recruiting Wexton, immediately announced their public endorsement of the state Senator. With three other Democrats also already in this race, it appears communication and coordination within the party structure is severely lacking.

The race is attracting major attention because Rep. Comstock, an Action Fund endorsed candidate in her previous congressional runs, won a tough re-election campaign even though President Trump lost this seat by ten full percentage points. This is the 4th most Democratic district, by 2016 presidential standards, to elect a Republican US House member. Sitting on the doorstep of Washington, DC, and the national Democratic and Republican Party headquarters, this CD will always be a major attack or defend target for both political organizations.